Miss America contestants from New Hampshire and Mississippi won the first night of preliminary competition Tuesday as the pageant returned to Atlantic City after a six-year absence.

Samantha Russo, Miss New Hampshire, won a $2,000 scholarship in the talent competition by singing "Don't Rain On My Parade" from the musical "Funny Girl."

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She chose the Barbra Streisand number despite being warned against it by many supporters who felt it was just too difficult.

"Everyone told me not to, but I felt really confident with it," she told reporters afterward.

Miss Mississippi, Chelsea Rick, won a $1,000 scholarship in the lifestyle and fitness competition, also known as the swimsuit competition.

The 53 hopefuls - one from each state as well as Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District Of Columbia - will receive scores in categories including talent, swimwear and evening wear, and onstage interviews.

The new Miss America will be crowned during Sunday night's nationally televised broadcast.